Although finding a job after recovering from addiction may seem daunting, many rehab centers offer career counseling to simplify this process. Career counseling teaches recovering addicts how to act during interviews and how to grow more confident in their ability to secure employment. In career counseling, individuals learn how to respond to questions about their history and how to use their experiences to their advantage. Essentially, career counseling provides clients with the skills necessary to return to the workforce after recovering from addiction.

Recovering addicts may not be able to secure their dream jobs immediately, but with patience and dedication they can work their way back into the job market, possibly landing a job even better than the one they worked prior to their stint in rehab. People who have recovered from addiction tend to have gracious attitudes and a willingness to work hard for a second chance at life, and these qualities help them succeed in their job searches.

Why Starting Small is Beneficial to Long-Term Recovery

Although accepting part-time, entry level or temporary work may seem like an occupational setback, especially to someone who was well established in her career before attending rehab, starting small can be beneficial in many ways. During the early stages of recovery, individuals are encouraged to avoid stress, and beginning a challenging, full-time job would be a lot to handle while adjusting to sobriety. Therefore, working a simple, low-stress job can aid recovery, which means recovering addicts must work their way up the workforce over time. By slowly creating an impressive work history, many recovering addicts eventually secure positions they are happy to work in for many years.

How Employment Aids Sobriety

Seeking employment after addiction treatment aids the recovery process by helping recovering addicts build positive, fulfilling lifestyles. Working a job promotes sobriety in the following ways:

Individuals who work play an active role in the community. Being involved in the community and building social relationships help people stay dedicated to recovery, because, if they are busy and fulfilled, then they are less likely to relapse.

Working toward and completing goals. Employment allows recovering addicts to work daily at various tasks. Doing well at a job can lead to a sense of satisfaction that helps people avoid drug use. Confidence in one’s ability to be happy, productive and useful without drug use leads to long-term sobriety.

Spending time in a positive way. Excessive idleness can lead to relapse in some cases, but working full-time or part-time allows recovering addicts to spend many hours being constructive.

Finding a job during recovery rebuilds the confidence that addicts may have lost while using drugs. Becoming self-sufficient is an important milestone of the recovery journey, as getting out of the house, making a name in the community and earning an income all encourage dedication to sobriety.

Help Finding a Job in Recovery

If you or someone you love is in recovery and searching for a job, then call our toll-free helpline to maximize your chances for success. Our admissions coordinators can connect you with the support you need to succeed in recovery; our helpline is available 24 hours a day, so they welcome you to call right now.

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